Donald MacDonald (army officer) facts for kids

Donald MacDonald (born around 1724, died 1760) was a brave military officer who fought for different countries during his life. He served France, then supported Charles Edward Stuart (also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie) in Scotland, and later fought for Great Britain in Quebec.

Early Life and Military Start

Donald MacDonald was born around 1724. He was the second son of Ranald MacDonald, who was the 18th leader of a Scottish family called Clanranald. When Donald was still young, he went to France. There, he joined the Royal-Ecossais Regiment, which was part of the French army.

Fighting for Bonnie Prince Charlie

In 1745, King Louis XV of France sent MacDonald to Scotland. His mission was to help Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Prince Charles was trying to regain the throne for his family in what was called the Jacobite Rising.

During this time, MacDonald was hurt while fighting at Stirling Castle. After the Jacobite forces gave up, he was taken prisoner. However, because he was an officer in the French army, he was later released. He then returned to France.

Joining the British Army

Later, the British government offered a special deal called an "amnesty" to Jacobite officers. This meant they would not be punished for their past actions if they joined the British side. Donald MacDonald took this chance.

On January 12, 1757, he officially became a captain in a new regiment. This regiment was formed by Simon Fraser and was known as the 78th Fraser Highlanders.

The Seven Years' War

In 1758, MacDonald sailed to Louisbourg. At that time, Louisbourg was under attack as part of the Seven Years' War. He was wounded there on the night of July 21.

The Battle of Quebec

MacDonald then took part in the important attack on Quebec. On the night of September 13, 1759, he was part of a small group of 24 volunteers. This group was called the "forlorn hope." They were the first to try and climb the steep cliffs above the St. Lawrence River.

It was MacDonald who spoke in French to the French guards. This clever move bought enough time for more British soldiers to gather. Soon, they were able to overpower the French post. This allowed almost 5,000 British troops to climb the cliffs. They then gathered on the Plains of Abraham.

During the winter that followed, MacDonald was given several important tasks. He kept bothering the French outposts around Quebec.

Final Battle

On April 28, 1760, MacDonald fought in the Battle of Sainte-Foy. He was in charge of a group of volunteers on the left side of the British army. Sadly, he was killed during this battle.

A Tough Reputation

Donald MacDonald was known for being a very strict officer. Some of his own men, and even his enemies, did not like him much. He was sometimes called "Dòmhnaill Goran," which means "Donald the Sinister." There are stories that his injury at Louisbourg might have been caused by his own men. When he died at Sillery, his body was badly damaged.